Flying from Chicago to Frankfurt Airport (FRA): what you need to know
Chicago is home to a couple of airports where you can set off on your adventure. Check out your options for reserving a flight from Chicago to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) leaving from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Expect to be travelling for 8 hours 26 minutes. On average, that's the time it takes for a direct flight from Chicago to Frankfurt Airport.
Frankfurt Airport is located in Frankfurt. The city operates in the UTC+1 timezone and is 6 hours ahead of Chicago.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the most popular route. There are 39 direct departures a week to choose from. If you prefer starting your day later, take the last flight with Lufthansa at 23:35. Go for the first ORD to FRA departure with United at 15:05 if you want to get going earlier.
Leave enough time to make your flight from Chicago to FRA. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Hopping on a plane during a peak month like August? High seasons (like summer, Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring break) can add another hour at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Enjoy an uninterrupted journey from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Nonstop flights from Chicago to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) operate from here.
Book your direct flight from Chicago to Frankfurt Airport with United. This well-known airline offers services from ORD.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your trip — and possibly even explore a different city. When searching for flights from Chicago to FRA departing from O'Hare International Airport (ORD), deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
From central Chicago, ORD is around 40 kilometres away. Use navigation apps or check the official airport website to find the best way to get there.
Need a handy hotel near O'Hare International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Chicago to Frankfurt Airport, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure lounge:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Planning to leave from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)? You can reserve a direct flight from Chicago to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) departing from this busy hub.
Take a direct flight from Chicago to FRA with United. This is one of the leading carriers operating this route out of MDW.
Visit family or friends or just take a moment to refresh yourself with a stopover. If you'd like to split up your flight from Chicago to Frankfurt Airport, check out these options when taking off from Chicago Midway International Airport:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Dublin Airport (DUB)
MDW is around 19 kilometres from central Chicago. It'll take you 21 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 46 minutes.
Start your holiday early with an additional night away from home. Before your flight from Chicago to FRA, unwind in one of these hotels close to Chicago Midway International Airport:
About Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Consider booking a hotel close to FRA if you're catching a late flight from Chicago to Frankfurt Airport. Choose one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Getting from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to central Frankfurt
Frankfurt Airport is approximately 14 kilometres from the centre of Frankfurt. With your own car rental or if you take a cab, the drive is about 21 minutes.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 37 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Pick up a one-way ticket from Chicago to Frankfurt Airport from 240 € or travel return from just 539 €. The prices shown are based on availability and could change when you book.
We suggest booking as soon as you can to secure cheap tickets from Chicago to FRA. You're more likely to land a great deal and enjoy a larger selection of departure times and dates.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest tickets from Chicago to Frankfurt Airport across every month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your plans are flexible.
Log into your online account or use the app to create a Price Alert. You'll be notified straight away if there's a better deal on this route. It doesn't take long, and it'll save you from searching for a cheap ticket from Chicago to FRA every day.
Customise your journey with filters. Choose the duration, number of stops, and arrival and departure times to find the right flight from Chicago to Frankfurt Airport. You can also sort the results to see the 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' options first.
The best time to fly from Chicago to Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
July is the busiest month for flights from Chicago to Frankfurt Airport. To steer clear of the crowds, plan your trip to Frankfurt in February when things are quieter.
Think about the type of weather that'll suit your plans for Frankfurt. July is known as the warmest month. Book your flights from Chicago to FRA during then and you can expect temperatures of between 12ºC and 28ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Chicago to Frankfurt Airport in January when temperatures average between -4ºC and 7ºC.
More about Frankfurt
After locking in your flight from Chicago to Frankfurt Airport, think about where you'll stay in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring Frankfurt:
Palmengarten and Goethe House are just the start of the popular attractions to add to your Frankfurt travel itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Frankfurt Cathedral.
Complete your Frankfurt trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Chicago to Frankfurt Airport isn't our only cool trick. Check out our car rentals in Frankfurt and explore at your own pace. We find deals from trusted car rental companies and put them all in one place. You can instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.
